Appearing on a CNN panel Tuesday morning, correspondent April Ryan had a few things to say to Louise Linton, the wife of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, for her condescending response to a woman on social media who criticized her for flaunting her wealth.

Following host John Berman highlighting some of Linton’s more offensive comments, Ryan jumped in to lay down the law to Linton on how to conduct herself.

“She had a Birkin bag, I think it’s at least $10,000,” Ryan explained to Berman. “When you are a public servant — and even if you’re married to a public servant — you have to remember service is about the people. Many of the people that you’re serving can’t afford a Birkin bag that’s at least $10,000, or a beautiful scarf by whatever designer it was.”

Admitting that Linton looked “beautiful,” in the Instagram photo, Ryan said that didn’t matter.

“You have to remember many of the people your husband is serving can just barely make it there, trying to make ends meet, unemployed, underemployed or just making it,” she lectured. “You have to be very careful how you flash your wealth and flash your status, particularly as you are serving people.”

About the Author

Tom Boggioni is based in the quaint seaside community of Pacific Beach in less quaint San Diego. He writes about politics, media, culture, and other annoyances. Mostly he spends his days at the beach gazing at the horizon waiting for the end of the world, or the sun to go down. Whichever comes first.